The 11th-century Villa Cimbrone is now a luxury hotel and restaurant, but its formal English-style gardens are open to the public. The grounds were reworked in the early 20th century by Ernest Beckett, an English aristocrat who owned the property until the 1960s, and today are dotted with colorful rose gardens, statuary, temples, and a Moorish pavilion. The crown jewel is the Terrace of Infinity (Terrazza dell’Infinito), which offers what many consider the most iconic view on the Amalfi Coast.
Villa Cimbrone is perched on a rocky outcrop in Ravello, one of the few towns along the Amalfi Coast not set at sea level and accessible only via a steep road up the cliffside. Given the heavy traffic that plagues the coastline much of the year, consider booking an Amalfi Coast tour or shore excursion from Naples, Sorrento, or Salerno with a stop in Ravello and leave the hassle of driving to a professional. Most tours include free time in Ravello to explore the sights at your own pace, so book tickets to Villa Cimbrone in advance to avoid a delay at the entrance.
A stop at the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone is a must for photography enthusiasts, and the view is particularly glorious in the early morning and late afternoon. The villa is only accessible to guests of the hotel and restaurant; the gardens are open to the public. Ravello is relatively flat and easy to navigate for those with limited mobility, and the gardens are accessible to wheelchair users. Bring a hat, sunblock, and choose comfortable shoes to tour the outdoor gardens, especially on summer days.
Villa Cimbrone is in Ravello, the clifftop village above Amalfi, and can only be reached by bus or car. Tours and shore excursions usually include round-trip transportation, and are the most time-efficient and stress-free way to explore Ravello and the other top sights on the Amalfi Coast. There are also public and private buses that connect Ravello to nearby towns like Amalfi and Positano.
The belvedere at Villa Cimbrone is a photographer’s paradise, and the light is best for capturing the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in the early morning or late afternoon. If visiting between March and November, check the Ravello Concert Society's annual schedule of chamber music concerts to enjoy a performance on the Terrace of Infinity.
